What is a TBI?

What is a TBI?

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A traumatic brain injury, often abbreviated to TBI, is a form of brain injury that occurs when sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. It can be caused by an auto accident in which a person’s head hits a dashboard, window, or other object. A TBI can also be a result of a fall, physical assault, blunt force trauma, or even a concussion. A TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe.

How is a TBI treated?

The first step when getting medical attention is stabilization and prevention of further damage. An x-ray or CT scan is performed to check the severity of the injury. A doctor might also as look for any spinal instability or fractures. The main concerns are making sure enough oxygen is getting to the brain, and maintaining blood flow and blood pressure. Following the initial treatment, a person with a TBI might need to see a physical therapist, depending on the severity of the damage. Unfortunately, the initial brain damage is often untreatable.

What are the Risks Associated with a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A TBI can have serious health consequences. In 2010, 50,000 deaths and 280,000 hospital visits were attributed to TBIs. A brain injury can increase the risk of other medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and epilepsy. It can also contribute to depression, aggression, and personality changes. Additionally, brain injuries can have a lifelong effect on thinking, sensation, and language.

How do I Prevent a TBI?

With proper safety, you can prevent a TBI. Always wear a seat belt and make sure young children sit in a car seat, or in the back seat to prevent airbag-related injuries. When playing a sport that could cause a head injury, always wear the correct safety equipment, especially a helmet. When around children, senior citizens, and anyone else more likely to slip or fall, make your areas are safe and secured. Use nonslip flooring, safety gates, and good lighting. Make sure to move anything that could cause someone to trip and fall. By being cautious, you can prevent a TBI for yourself and those around you!

Things to Consider When Suffering from a TBI

Oftentimes, a TBI is the result of someone else’s negligence. The injury could be sustained in a car accident caused by a drunk or distracted driver, be the result of an inadequate procedure at work, or result from a fall on badly maintained property. When a TBI is caused by the behavior of another person, holding them liable for your injuries may not only lead to compensation for your suffering and expenses, but will also help you find a sense of justice. When you are suffering from a TBI, or if a loved one has sustained a serious brain injury, hiring an attorney is an important step in seeking justice and compensation for a TBI, as they can see you through the legal process while you focus on recovery.

_____________________________________________

The attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes represent those involved in personal injury matters. Our firm is one of the oldest personal injury law firms in Tampa Bay. There are no attorneys’ fees or costs unless we prevail for you. Call our office 24 hours a day at 727-796-8282 or simply click here to schedule a free case consultation.